The Quiet Storm offers a memorable experience

Nestled in Oakland, The Quiet Storm is anything but ordinary. As a vegetarian/vegan café, The Quiet Storm has incredibly creative offerings.

The Quiet Storm is Pittsburgh’s largest 100% vegetarian café and in absolutely no way restricted. The first time I visited I was so enthusiastic that I wanted to order everything from the menu. I am a diner that almost always orders the moment a waiter ask for drinks. At The Quiet Storm, this does not happen.

The menu is inspiring because it makes one want to go home and cook up a storm.

Everything from lavender tea to an apple panini can be found on its menus.

After reading and rereading the menu several times over while debating, I decided on “Graham Street Tofu,” a sandwich with sesame tofu cutlets, tomato, mayo (regular or vegan) and spinach. There were even chips and salsa on the side!

I had no doubt that this was a fantastic decision. I was not proven wrong. My taste buds thanked me with each bite.

I moved on to the menu milkshake. After turning the waiter away twice, I made a decision- the “Kiss Me Milkshake” made with vanilla, mint tea and white chocolate.

Other contenders were the “Pinky Swear,” a milkshake with vanilla, hibiscus tea, cranberry, pomegranate and raspberry; “The “Meltaway,” chocolate with Irish cream and caramel and the “Pear Vanilla,” with vanilla, pear and nutmeg.

I was enchanted by four other options on the milkshake menu, all of which can be made vegan upon request. My delight grew with each sip. At that moment I go not wait to come back a second time.

Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan items are all clearly labeled on the menu.

The Quiet Storm sources local products with the majority of its suppliers from the Pittsburgh area. The house brew coffee is made with beans from Cranberry, PA. All suppliers are listed on the menu assuring customers that they are receiving high quality, sustainable, locally sourced food.

To ensure that little goes to waste, the kitchen composts its vegetable scraps and coffee grounds. The compost is then supplied to urban farmers.

“It was very quaint and pleasant. All the colors were bright and welcoming, and there was a ton to look at,” said freshman Amanda Dumi. “Not only was the food fantastic, but it helped the environment, our bodies and the local community.”